A fake bomb threat made by a suspected illegal immigrant led to the closure of a South Carolina highway.

When stopped by police, the suspect claimed to have an explosive device in his tractor-trailer.

A fake bomb threat made by a suspected illegal immigrant led to the closure of a South Carolina highway.
A fake bomb threat made by a suspected illegal immigrant led to the closure of a South Carolina highway.

On Thursday, a man suspected of being an illegal immigrant was arrested in South Carolina after making a false bomb threat during a traffic stop, resulting in the closure of Interstate 85 for nearly five hours.

At approximately 2:45 p.m., Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi, 28, was stopped by state transport police due to a missing license plate on his tractor trailer, according to the South Carolina Dept. of Public Safety (SCDPS).

Alhendi informed a police officer that the commercial vehicle contained an explosive device.

Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi mugshot
Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi was arrested in South Carolina after officials say he made a fake bomb threat during a traffic stop. (Greenville County Detention Center)

The Greenville County Sheriff's Office, SLED, and FBI investigated the threat that led to the shutdown of all six lanes of I-85 in South Carolina.

Near Mile Marker 44, a shutdown occurred, resulting in prolonged delays and congested traffic.

At approximately 7:40 p.m., the 18-wheeler was cleared and all lanes of I-85 were reopened.

On Friday, Alhendi was brought before a court and accused of spreading false information about a bomb threat, committing a breach of peace of a severe nature, and not possessing a valid vehicle license.

Spartanburg exit in South Carolina
A police car blocks off a section of I-85 near Mile Marker 44 and White Horse Road in Greenville County due to a bomb threat on Jan. 2, 2025.  (ALEX HICKS JR./STAFF / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

He was given a bond of $20,238 for all three charges and sent to the Greenville County Detention Center, according to Fox Carolina.

An ICE detainer was placed on Alhendi at the Greenville County Detention Center, according to a spokesperson for Planet Chronicle Digital.

Police guiding traffic in I-85.
Police guiding traffic after a bomb threat on I-85. (ALEX HICKS JR./STAFF / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

ICE and the FBI have been contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for additional details on Alhendi.

SCDPS said that the tractor-trailer is registered with Globe Transportation in Illinois.

Globe Transportation spokesperson confirmed to Planet Chronicle Digital that Alhendi is an employee of the company, but the company declined to make any statements at that time.

by Michael Dorgan

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